Delhiites, a quick question –  who’s planning to purchase a vehicle? In all probability, it’ll be a petrol-powered or a diesel-fed one. Or, maybe, it runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as well. What if you could purchase a vehicle that runs only on electricity and produces no harmful emissions whatsoever? Yes, an EV. The limitations are apparent – the charging network within the city is still small, and that electric vehicles are jolly expensive. But what if you could save a substantial amount and gets additional benefits?

The government of Delhi has finally introduced an EV policy. It should help boost the capital’s economy and aid in curbing air pollution. Moreover, it will generate jobs in significant numbers. Most importantly, however, it ensures that an EV buyer gets a range of incentives. Let’s talk about money first. If you’re buying a two-wheeler, auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw or a fright vehicle, the EV policy will get you an incentive of up to Rs 30,000. That figure for buying an e-car stretches up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Those savings are over and above the existing benefits EV buyers get from the central government under the FAME II scheme.

Not impressed? How about this – the Delhi government will also extend a scrapping incentive, which is a first in India. That comes into the equation when someone replaces a conventionally-powered vehicle with an EV. More? There will no interest on loans for commercial EVs. Also, EVs will neither have to pay the registration fees nor the road tax.

The EV policy will be valid for three years. To ensure that it gets implemented, the Delhi government will set up an EV cell. Also, a State Electric Vehicle Fund will keep a track and bear all the expenses to support the policy in question. To strengthen the supporting infrastructure, the Delhi government has set itself a target of erecting 200 charging stations in one year. What do you think of the policy?